THE RECENT GISBORNE FIRE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1240, 22 January 1914, Page 11

THE RECENT GISBORNE FIRE.

Seen by a “Times” reporter after the recent fire whereby his stables and a number of horses were destroyed, Mr. M. G. Nasmith, the veteran sportsman told the pressman that he thought he was through for good and all with racing. “I have had a lot-of bad luck, lately,” he stated. “ A number, of my foals have died, and two months ago by valuable brood mare, Kilsyth, which was turned out at Waimata, broke her leg and had to be shot. Now on the top of this comes the. recent fire, which has given me a sickener. As I feel now, I do not think I shall ever go in for racing again.” Speaking of Aidgown, which was among the horses which perished in the flames, Mr. Nasmith- declared that that was the best horse he had ever owned. “ What value did you put upon him?” the. pressman asked... . “Money would not have -bought him,” was the reply. “I had several tempting offers for him, but refused them all. I am not a betting • man,

and have never been one. I go in for breeding and racing for the pure love of the animals. I would rather win a hack race with a horse I bred myself than the Tauranga Stakes with a horse I had bought. It comes hard, then, when you have succeeded in rearing a really first-class animal to have it destroyed in this manner.” Mr. Nasmith explained that Aidgown had just got back from Hawke’s Bay last Sunday. He had been interfered with in both races down there, and had suffered as a result of jostling.

“ I have practically been at the game all my life —for the past forty years, at any rate,” continued Mr. Nasmith. “ I was always fond of horses, and was never satisfied unless I was experimenting in some way or other.”

He stated that he used to have stables behind his shop, next the Albion Hotel, and later on shifted to the section on which Harris’ block of buildings now stand in Gladstone Road.

About 20 years ago he shifted to Roebuck Road, and carried on the stables until they were destroyed by the recent fire.

Mr. Nasmith stated that it was a lucky thing that Auldearn was at present - turned out, otherwise he would have gone too, as his bm was next the feed room, and nothing could have saved him. Much sympathy has been expressed for the veteran sportsman, and all hope that he will continue his connection with the turf when the pang of his severe loss has passed away. Andy McLeod, Mr. Nasmith’s wellknown trainer, had also a warm word to say for his late charge. “ Aidgown was one of the finest horses I have ever had,” he declared. “He was a very determined horse, and had the makings cf a great stayer. Hhe proved this at the last spring meeting at Gisborne, when he cut out six furlongs in 1.15, and won a mile race the same day. He came out the next day, and again got away wieh the mile race, thus securing three wins with three starts. Speaking of Tribunal, McLeod stated that he had only won one race. This was at Woodville on December 11 of last year. He had shown great form on the track, and had practically put up a record at Hastings by covering seven furlongs in 1.31 1-5.